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Beaver Brook North Reservation
4.4 ★★★★☆ 141 Google reviews · Running trail in Waltham, Massachusetts · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Beaver Brook North Reservation's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This 254-acre natural area features many wildlife viewing opportunities, plus hiking trails.
What runners say about Beaver Brook North Reservation
Multiple access points to this trail network from Lexington, Waltham, and Belmont. Did an easy 2.5 mile hike including the water tower trail. If the trails were marked better this would be a 5-star review. Kid- and pet-friendly. We parked at Met State and the dog park.
I love this park for so many reasons, but cyclists and dog owners BEWARE...there is significant amounts of broken glass on trails. Particularly near the east entrance by the bridge and swings.
Miles of trails winding through the grounds of a former state asylum. The nature is beautiful, and there are some mystical signs here of what once was. A cemetery for patients, a boarded up building, and many foundations. Cool place.
Beaver Brook / Rock Meadow is a wonderful place to walk your dog while taking in the peaceful surroundings of the woods. The trails are well defined and there are plenty of offshoots to explore. There's all sorts of old infrastructure from times past that you can stumble upon and wonder what the area was once used for.
Trail conditions & character
“Beaver Brook / Rock Meadow is a wonderful place to walk your dog while taking in the peaceful surroundings of the woods.”
“Plenty of parking, different trails to take to make your hike shorter or longer.”
“For bikers there are plenty of single track trails to check out or venture to lone tree hill from this trail network to find some more technical stuff to ride on.”
Plan your run at Beaver Brook North Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone(617) 727-5380
Running trails near Waltham
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mackerel Hill
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Rock Meadow Conservation Area
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Beaver Brook Reservation
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Historic buildings share this 59-acre park with woodlands, a waterfall, open fields & sports areas.
Shady's Pond Conservation Area
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Storer Conservation
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Landscaper Frederick Olmsted designed the grounds of this 109-acre park with trails & a museum.
Arlington's Great Meadows
4.6 ★★★★★ 183 reviews
183-acres of wet meadows & uplands with trails for viewing an array of plants & wildlife.